12.31.2011

December 31, 2011

White Dog and The Other White Dog and Another White Dog and Still Another White Dog and Yet Another White Dog gathered to plan this blog post...a retrospective of the year. It was easy to take the stance of "what a horrible year, thank dog it is coming to a close;" there had been so much sadness and bad news.

But Puff, our shy girl who rarely claims the floor during our discussions, cleared her throat. "We can make the legacy of 2011 one of sorrow and disappointment but is that really what we want to remember about the last 365 days of our journey? I acknowledge that we have lost loved ones and there has been sickness and disaster, and we should remember and honor those warriors, but shouldn't we look for the flowers in the muck...the things that are milestones of success and progress and goodness? Hope and Love, that's what White Dog said yesterday...so let's celebrate those moments as we usher out the old."

YoYoMa nuzzled his sister in agreement. Quinn and Nuka moved closer to close ranks next to SAWD. All turned to White Dog, who began "In 2011 Puff won her battle and was pronounced by Dr. Julia to be completely cured of Heartworms. And dad left his corporate job to follow his heart call to teach and start his own firm. Michael graduated from high school..."

"YoYoMa came to live with us," Quinn picked up the list. "And so may of our friends across the country helped to get him to us, just like when I came. Our Heart Family grew by five as members adopted rescue animals and added a human to our number. And Michael was accepted into the Transitions Outreach Program where he is learning skills that will help him become more independent like how he rides the bus all over town by himself now."

Nuka chimed in, "Don't forget the 2MillionDogs Puppy Up Walk to End Cancer. We worked hard and planned and really helped fight the c monster. THAT was big, right momma?"

"On a broader scale, we saw humans from all over the world help those in Japan and Thailand and our Midwest who were devastated by disasters. Lives were saved by those everyday heroes. Rescuers and transporters and fosters and shelters provided food and homes and second chances to thousands in need...without pay or glory...and that is not just during times of disaster" YoYoMa added.

White Dog retook the floor. "There have been advances in cures for so many canine and human diseases; too late for some of our own but a step closer toward guaranteeing less suffering. Speaking of our own, we have the incredible fortune of being part of a network of the most caring, sharing, and giving beings in existence. They enrich our lives and challenge us to live up to a higher standard. We have a roof over our heads, running water (yes the plumbing appears fixed), food when we are hungry. We have friends to comfort and encourage us. We have enough of everything we need and more than most of the world."

The White Dog Army huddled and agreed, 2011 was not a perfect year, we had to work hard for most of our progress, but we DID win more than we lost. We walk out of this year not looking back in regret but forward in hope...into the future!

Yes, we can all find the good in the past, Mom is still having a hard time getting by the most recent spate of sadness all over the blogs. But we too had some joy in 2011. Here's to an even better 2012.

Wishes to all for 2012 to be happy, healthy, peaceful, and love-filled.